The history of reflexology has been lost in antiquity, but it is believed to have been used in China, India and Egypt as long ago as 5,000 years.  In more recent years, "Zone Therapy" was introduced by Dr. William Fitzgerald.  In 1913, Dr. Fitzgerald noted that pressure on one part of the body (the hands or feet) could produce an anesthetic effect in other parts of the body.  In the 1930's Eunice Ingham expanded upon the work of Dr. Fitzgerald creating one of the reflexology maps we see today.      There are four basic theories to explain how reflexology works: Microcosm Theory:  The foot is a microcosm of the body, meaning that each part of the foot corresponds to a part of the body.  When stimulated, the area on the foot will affect the part of the body to which it corresponds. Blood Circulation Theory:  Substances such as uric acid settle in the feet because of gravity causing blockages to circulation.  After some time, these blockages can affect the organs to which they correspond.  During a reflexology massage the blockages are broken up, allowing for better blood flow.  The uric acid is then expelled through the urine which can cause it to have a strong odor and to be cloudy. Nerve and Humoral Regulation Theory:  When certain organs aren't functioning properly, changes in the feet may be experienced.  A reflexology practitioner may feel these changes as "ropey," "crunchy," "tight," or as having "air pockets." When massaged, these ares will be painful.  By massaging these areas, a series of nerve and humoral responses will occur, stimulating the body to heal the painful areas, and thus the corresponding organs. Channels and Collaterals Theory:  In Chinese medicine, there are many channels, or meridians, that travel through the feet.  These can be likened to a freeway system.  When there is a traffic jam (Chinese medicine calls this "stagnation"), all of the cars slow down and all of the drivers get upset.  These "cranky" drivers are what cause the painful areas.  By massaging, and thus moving the traffic along, it eases the stagnation and pain.      Becca Seitz, MAcOM, LAc  uses reflexology on a regular basis.  It can be used both preventatively and to ease a variety of pre-existing conditions including: foot pain, neck pain, back pain, digestive disorders, stress, sleep disorders, sports injuries, headaches and many others.